"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

• Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne
  

We recently said goodbye to one of our family's most caring, optimistic and kind members. RITA LUCILLE GOMANY was born in Coaldale on August 5, 1950 and passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, after a long illness, at her home in Lethbridge on November 17, 2019.

Rita was the one time lovely voice of the Sears switchboard and worked in the catalogue office for many years and made special friends including Sheila and Peggy. In addition to the people in her life, Rita loved the mountains, animals, and Beauty and the Beast. She was a strong advocate for animals, volunteering her time and donating what money she could to animal rescue agencies. She had many fur-babies over the years, most recently, Nala and Apollo.

Rita is survived by her mother Helen Gomany, brother John Gomany, sister Carol Ogden (Pierre Dubeau) and brother Robert Gomany.

Rita had no children of her own but she surrounded herself with many kids (as evident from the photos on her fridge) her nieces and nephews: Cyndi Starzyk-Frey (James), Roy Gomany, Laine Gomany (Sharryl), Stephanie Pond (Vince), Natalie Pavlis (Ferencz Kiss), John Dueck (Sheri-Lynn), Jason Gomany and special great nieces Desiree Starzyk, Samantha Starzyk (Daylin Yanke) and Cianna Starzyk-Frey. As well as numerous other great nieces and nephews.

Rita was predeceased by her father John Gomany, sister Margaret Pavlis and brother-in-law Frank Pavlis, sister-in-law Mabel Gomany, nephew Vince Starzyk and niece Connie Starzyk.

Special thanks to Dr. Eric Wilde, Tina and his staff and Dr. Rozemin Kizuk for all of their care of Rita over the years. Also thanks to all of her caregivers from Respiratory Home Care Solutions and AHS Home Care (especially RNs Delane and Kimberley). Also, thanks to the team at Green Acres Animal Hospital for their years of care of Rita's fur-babies.

Even though she is not here to express it, she had a special love for her caregivers who were with her day and night at the end, her sissy Carol, nieces Cyndi, Natalie and Sammy (with Daylin).

Rita's wishes were to not have a funeral ceremony or receive any flowers or cards. In lieu of that, she wished people would donate to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society.